Dear St. Francis Community Members, Volunteers, Students, Youth, Parents, Housing Residents, Auxiliary Members, Donors & Friends,

Thank you for the warm welcome over the past 4 weeks. I have met so many wonderful people who are really making me feel at home. To those I haven’t met yet, I look forward to meeting you soon.

I am very grateful to be invited by the Board of Directors to serve as the new Executive Director for the St. Francis Center, Holy Family School, and Siena Youth Center. How lucky I am to join this beautiful community! I am humbled by the opportunity to carry forward the mission that Sisters Monica and Christina established so many years ago. I love the feeling of partnership that exists here: it is a place that exemplifies the true meaning of community, where neighbors stand next to neighbors and support one another through life’s joys and challenges. In my first few weeks, I have been in awe of the dedicated staff and faithful volunteers who show up each day with passion and love to make the Center thrive.

I see the youth at Siena and the students at Holy Family School engaged, enthusiastic, and curious each day, which brings me joy. I have observed the hustle and bustle of daily activity as people come and go, picking up food and clothing and moving into housing. I want to ensure everyone that all of these key services are here to stay. Continuing these programs and building more affordable housing are at the core of our mission.

Over the next few months, my mission is to listen and discover. I want to hear from all of you to learn about unmet needs, gaps in services, and your views on how we can expand the work and deepen the impact. We now have suggestion boxes located in the lobbies of St. Francis Center and Siena. When you get a moment, please fill out a suggestion form with anything you wish to share in English or Spanish. I will personally read all suggestions on a weekly basis for the next 3 months. Your suggestions will help us set priorities for the years ahead as we work together toward our common goals.

Ultimately, my vision is that we collectively continue to lift each other up and strengthen the community. I hope that over the next few months, I can earn your trust as we work shoulder to shoulder. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and get started!

In community,